Massive Handhold Please

[Meadows20]

I'm currently sitting at the Antenatal Clinic after having my 36 week check. My poxy blood pressure is 146/91 😭 Im desperately trying not to cry...they're going to induce me aren't they? And soon?

I'm swelling like crazy and my pregnancy was considered 'high risk' because of my weight as it was as well as having a couple of other medical issues.

I'm petrified of being induced on my own (I'll be in my own induction room), no Mum in the country let alone here, no DP, nothing.

I was coping well if I knew I could get through latent labour at home with DP but not induction...induction scares me. Fuck this pandemic

Handhold offered!

Is it possible for them to do the induction and then let you go home until it kicks in? (Caveat - ftm with no experience of induction so apologies if this is a stupid suggestion)

Don't be scared of induction try and see it as a means to an end - you'll get to meet your baby! My induction wasn't that bad and once they broke my waters my daughter was born 2 hours later and I was only 37 weeks induced due to her being very small.

Hey hope you’re ok. If your blood pressure stays >140/90 then yes, you’re likely to be offered induction. Timing depends on what else is going on - they’ll check for preeclampsia and if you have that, then usually induction is about 37 weeks unless your/your baby’s condition gets worse. If you only have the high BP then it’s possible to monitor that and usually induction is recommended between 38-40 weeks. I know it’s not what you have in mind, but hopefully they’ll explain everything and cover all your questions so you feel happy with whatever plan is made. Good luck :)

Oh OP I’m so sorry you’re feeling so anxious. Try to take everything one step at a time.

Try not to get too ahead of yourself and see what the Dr’s say.

I was induced with my first baby and had a great experience.

I’m not sure what your trust rules are but here, if you’re induced your DP can join you once you’re in established labour.

If they can’t be - you are more than capable to do this yourself. You have the power and strength to get through it and at the end you get to meet your beautiful baby. They could be almost here and that’s a wonderful thing to look forward to xx

Sending you a hand hold and a huge hug! Feel so bad for you 😢 it will all be ok...xx they will let your partner in once labour is established won't they? xx

Are you already on meds to reduce your blood pressure? I went to MAU a couple of weeks ago with reduced movements and was diagnosed with pre eclampsia. My bp was 146/95. I was given medication straight away to bring it down and admitted to hosp. I had a c section 4 days later but was assessed every day - drs weighed up the risk of early delivery and the associated complications that could bring v the PE risk to me and the babies.

Can you ask for meds and to be monitored instead of an immediate induction?

PS should have said, I hated being alone on the antenatal ward, but everyone was in the same boat. Lots of other women to chat to to make the time more bearable :)

Hey! Handhold for you! I'm 31 weeks and going to stay in hospital until 36 weeks, when I get a c-section. All alone and scared. But midwives are lovely here, I get treated very well, I am trying to build a routine and live each day as it comes. Would be lovely to have my partner or my mum here, but it's not as bad as I thought. Hope it is the same for you!!!

Oh dear, can’t imagine how upset you must be feeling and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Try to take it in a bit at a time. I suffer with rather bad anxiety at times and I know how bad things can seem in the heat of the moment. Fear can make things really terrifying - but also distorted. Although it’s a really upsetting situation, you are absolutely in the right place. Their priority is to keep you safe and for the welfare of your baby.
If they want to induce, and you consent, from what I can gather, an epidural before they induce can be helpful in managing the escalation of labour and I think that’s what I would do in your situation to be honest as it would help to relieve my anxiety/calm me down a bit perhaps and take some of the pressure off so I could step back a bit and let my body do its thing. I don’t think you’ll be on your own for active labour but give yourself some credit for how strong you are and how far you’ve come. You can do this.

Thank you all. I've calmed down now, my consultant is lovely and reassured me they're not going to be making any rash decisions. Manual BP taken and it was 142/80 so they're happy with that for now so just going to monitor.

Feel a bit silly for getting so panicky...if I knew induction would be on a ward with other women I would be calmer but as I would have to be in a room on my own with no DP (shared facilities so can't have him here until active labour) it just freaks me out.

Thanks again...sorry for the anxiety fit!

Glad to hear you’re feeling better. Some trusts are allowing certain methods of induction to be started at home which would obviously be great. If you have to be kept in and will be in a private room, embrace it - get your partner on face time, have a bath or shower if the rooms are en suite, and watch lots of funny TV shows - as far as I’m aware most trusts are allowing partners in as soon as you hit established labour so you may not be alone for that long.

@lalla525

Oh god! Hope you and baby are ok? This pandemic has really done a number on all of us hasn't it :( I hope the time goes as quickly as it can for you so you can get home with bub x

Not sure if you’ve been induced before, but if it happens it can be quite a slow process. You can relax, sleep, etc. If you have to go in prepare podcasts, magazines, snacks etc. It will be ok, your OH will be able to rest and once you’re in labour he will be a huge support.
The staff will really look after you, and will understand you’re scared. Take care xx